NHS reforms

I do take issue with the need to learn from other countries. Our NHS is one of the cheapest and one of the best. The US' is one of the dearest and one of the worst (at least in the developed world). France seems to have a well-developed system, but it has grown that way. It would not work in the same way in the UK.

The NHS needs constant vigilance and careful monitoring. It does not need radical change.

I feel dreadful reading these posts as I have not seen a petition to save the NHS anywhere! Am I the only one? If someone could let me have the link I would be grateful and pass it on as well for others.

While on the subject of petitions would you all PLEASE visit the link below and add your signature to an e-petition to save coastguard stations around the UK coastline! There is a real threat to a vital emergency service which could affect any of us. Thanks! (See URGENT message in the Health Forum list)

Just realised that the link didn't appear above!
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/4403

Having spent the weekend with my daughter- in- law who is a GP, I am feeling very depressed as her feeling is that we cannot continue as we are, it is far to expensive. She is very comitted to the service but feels that many of us take advantage by demanding to see consultants when it is not needed, failing to attend appointments, which I also find appalling, and generally expecting far too much. I am desperate not to see the poor and underprivileged being deprived of treatment; I regard myself as so fortunate to live in a country where I do not have to worry about becoming ill and needing treatment that I cannot afford. To me it is a sign of a civilized country when we can take care of all our citizens. If it means higher taxes, so be it or if we need a system more like the French then, so be it but please let us keep it universal and free at the point of use!

www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/mar/15/devon-nhs-childrens-services-privatisation

If this article puts the wind up you, please sign the petition I've put on the e-petitions thread.

It is some time since I added anything to this but I have just signed and
donated, with 38 degrees, to help set up an opposing conference against
creeping privatisation. Apparently there is shortly to be a conference
held in London for GP's and other involved parties hosted by two private
health insurance companies. This is not the first hint I have heard of
pressure being put on GP's and I do think we have to fight this hard if
we want to keep the NHS. I have lived in the USA and witnessed their
insidious health care for the poor, unemployed and disadvantaged; I would
hate to see this here. Very uncivilized.